How to remove attachment file itself but keep the record in the Zotero storage?

drzcxiao · 2026-07-28T14:22:45+00:00

Context: I used the Webdav to sync attachment files. But I also need to create and upload attachments to the Zotero storage by automatic scripts because the local api don't support any writing processes. However, once the file is downloaded from the Zotero storage to my local device, the file itself is not needed anymore, but the record should be kept.

So, how can I just remove the attachment file from the Zotero storage to save the limited free space, but kept the "attachment item" not delete?

dstillman · 2026-07-28T14:28:32+00:00

Not sure I totally understand the question. There's no seamless way to upload files to Zotero Storage via the API and then transfer them individually to WebDAV in the app, if that's what you're asking.

If you're trying to remove an uploaded file from Zotero Storage online, you'd have to either delete the attachment itself — which would also delete the attachment from WebDAV — or use Purge Files in My Library from your storage settings page.

the local api don't support any writing processes

Local API write support is coming in the next Zotero beta. Watch zotero-dev for the announcement.

drzcxiao · 2026-07-28T14:38:03+00:00

Thanks a lot for your response. I'm sorry for not state clearly. I would like to "delete the file from Zotero Storage" online, but kept the file on my local device. I will try "Purge Files" way.